Evan Thompson / The Record South Whidbey community members recently gathered to celebrate the installation of a plaque and boulder that commemorates the six-year effort of a group that prevented Saratoga Woods from being developed into a 200-room resort. From left to right: Sharon Emerson, Cynthia Tilkin, Diane Kendy, Kim Drury, Charlie Snelling, Betty Azar and Larry Harris.

Plaque commemorates battle to preserve Saratoga Woods

Nestled at the entrance of Saratoga Woods in Langley is a plaque and boulder that commemorates the efforts of grassroots organization Save the Woods on Saratoga, which went toe-to-toe with developers planning to turn the land into a large resort over a six-year period (1995-2001). As a result of their efforts, 118 acres of property were purchased for conservation and public access. It was later turned into an Island County park.

Community members worked with the Whidbey Camano Land Trust and Island County Parks to install the marker on Oct. 12.

Diane Kendy, who spearheaded the effort alongside Betty Azar and Fran Abel, said the boulder will help enlighten those who were not aware of the large community effort to save the forest.